Emergency Burn Closure Lifted in the Mat-Su

The emergency burn closure that went into effect shortly before the July 4th holiday weekend has been lifted.

The month of June was the driest recorded in Alaska in over 98 years.  This led the Division of Forestry to create the emergency order regulating the use of personal fires.  The ban prohibited the use of fireworks across the state and limited warming and cooking fires to those contained in a metal enclosure. 

The last few days of rain have been a welcome sight to many Mat-Su Borough residents.  But despite the recent precipitation, fire danger continues to be a concern.  According to the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection there are still 264 active fires in Alaska.

The Division of Forestry is evaluating conditions daily to determine whether a burn permit suspension is warranted in areas around the state.  The emergency burn order ended June 14th at 9:00am.

Officials say those with a permit should call the recorded burn information line for their area before starting a fire.  The number for the Mat-Su is 907-761-6305.